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| (left to right) Permanent Secretary for National Security Astona Browne, Minister of National Security Hon. G. A. Dwyer Astaphan, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas and Chief Secretary Joseph Edmeade. |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (May 03, 2007): Residents of Dieppe Bay and nearby communities can expect improved efficiency from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force upon the completion of a new Police Station.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas turned the sod at a ceremony on Thursday, signaling the start of construction, expected to last some 12 months.
The new two-storey facility replaces an older one closed down in 1998. It features numerous offices, a holding area, communications room, recreational area and interrogation room.
An exhibit room, armory, barracks, storage room and kitchen is also included in the building design.
It will accommodate personnel from the police force and the fire and rescue services full time as well as officers from the coast guard and customs when the need arises.
Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Superintendent Ivor Blake explained that this new building will serve as a model for future security facilities which will incorporate multi agency use.
Minister with responsibility for National Security Hon. G. A. Dwyer Astaphan said the construction of this new facility coupled with the recent opening of the Frigate Bay Police Station, refurbishment of the Gingerland Police Station in Nevis and the acquisition of new police vehicles demonstrates the firm anti crime stance of the government.
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| PM Douglas (center) turns the sod for the new Dieppe Bay Police Station along with Minister Astaphan (right) and Stafford Liburd. |
The Minister thanked the Government of Mexico for supplying funds being used to construct the facility in Dieppe Bay and a future station in Tabernacle.
He revealed that his government has an excellent record in fulfilling international requirements and continues to enjoy the confidence of foreign agencies.
"he operations of the government are characteristically & efficient and satisfying of the best international practices,"Minister Astaphan stressed. " feel very proud to be part of the process whereby foreign governments can exercise and demonstrate trust in this government and the people to deliver on commitments that we make."
The Minister of National Security referred to the continued growth of the economy and explained that this trend has made it necessary for the rapid expansion of security operations.
~~adz:Left~~"e have so many developments that have taken place in this country in a short time frame,"he stated, citing services such as police, judicial, emergency, customs and immigration. "he economic developments of the country have to be matched by the security infrastructure and this is what we are doing.
Minister Astaphan and Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Stafford Liburd were also a significant part of the ground breaking ceremony. Minister of Public Works Hon. Dr. Earl Asim Martin and Minister of State for Sustainable Development Hon. Nigel Carty attended the event held at the site of the new Dieppe Bay Police Station.
